Circular saw
• Chop saw
• Drill motor
• 3/8 Drill bit
• 1/8 Drill bit
• Ratchet wrench and sockets
• Screw driver
• Staple gun
• Tape measure
It is important to note that there are variations in the actual size of dimensional lumber. These variations can be +/- 3/32 inch and the measurements given represent the ideal size for the cut pieces. Please measure your actual lumber and make size adjustments accordingly before cutting any materials.
Position the cut sheet of Luan plywood and secure it to the rails and stiles with 9/16-inch galvanized staples.
The top of the workbench is covered with a 3/4 × 48 × 96–inch sheet of high-density particle board. Place the sheet and secure it to the rails and stiles with 1¼-inch deck screws. To prevent the particle board from breaking, it is necessary to predrill a 1/8-inch hole for the deck screw. The heads of the deck screws need to be flush with the surface of the particle board. Chamfer the hole to countersink the head of the deck screw.
The working surface of the workbench is covered with a 1/4 × 48 × 96–inch sheet of tempered Masonite hardboard. This sheet is not fastened down so that it can be easily replaced as it gets worn from cutting and gluing. ■
You also have ample room under the workbench for storage of upholstery materials. Adding a panel board shelf can double storage space.
One of the best features of my workbench is the replaceable work surface. A sheet of 1/4-inch tempered hardboard or Masonite is placed on top of the workbench, providing a durable and yet yielding work surface. After many projects, when the surface of the workbench becomes dirty, scarred, and uneven, the worn tempered hardboard can be easily lifted off and replaced.
Supply Sources
Every project needs raw materials to create a finished product, and obtaining these materials can be a challenge. One source is your local fabric or hobby store. However, these generic materials do not hold up to the climate changes and abuse that a car interior faces. Automotive vinyl and fabrics are UV coated to prevent fading, bleaching, and chalking. They are also heavier in weight and designed specifically for durability.
Auto upholstery supply houses will have most of what you need for your project. They generally sell wholesale to the trade only, but you may be able to find an exception.
Auto trim suppliers can be found on the Internet by a simple search for “auto upholstery supplies.” It’s a good idea to call or visit the supplier before you order. They can be a lot of help to find you what you need for your project.
I am very fortunate to live in a city that has several upholstery suppliers nearby. Fabric Supply in Minneapolis and Pyramid Trim Products in St. Paul have been my go-to sources for upholstery supplies since 1980. Because I live near my suppliers, I can get what I need right away. Being able to see and feel the products helps me obtain items that I may otherwise not know exist. Picking up my upholstery materials saves on shipping costs as well. Going to see the supplier takes time away from working on a project, but the relationships I have built with them is priceless.
Shopping online for products can be overwhelming. You have a lot of choices, but not all of the products offered are of the quality you may be looking for. Brand-name parts and supplies are usually consistent in quality, but house brands vary due to the suppliers’ ability to secure more of any given part. Also beware of seconds. These are materials with small flaws or surface defects and they are not suitable for use in a restoration. They are great for patterning and can save you money if you can work around the flaws. Seconds are often available from your supplier and are usually offered at a discounted price.
Shop Supplies
Every shop should keep on hand several things that you need for every job. Common products to have on hand are thread, glue, and hog rings. Building an inventory of hardware and supplies takes time and money. Buying in bulk saves you money in the long run, but it is not uncommon to buy what you need as you need it. You can always try and network with other trimmers close by and split the cost of buying bulk items. Everyone saves money, and you build relationships too.
Here are some common supplies that you should have on hand at any given time.
Thread
Upholstery thread comes in many sizes and types. Nylon thread is generally used for auto upholstery. It has a high strength and durability that allows it to move with the material.
Polyester thread is well suited for outdoor applications such as marine and canvas work. If sunlight is a big factor, then this is the thread to use.
Monofilament is a clear nylon thread used when color matching is an issue. Topstitching for quilting is a good example of when you do not want the thread to show.
Thread comes in many colors to match with OEM vinyl and fabrics and it is available in 4-, 8-, and 16-ounce spools. Choosing the correct size of the thread is determined by what you are sewing. Standard upholstery thread is #69 and heavier contrast thread is T-270.
An assortment of thread is always good to have. Each project receives a matching thread and some get a heavy contrast thread. Here is an assortment of colors in #69 nylon and polyester. The natural and black contrast threads are T-270.
Among the most common supplies used in the trimmer trade are automotive hog rings. You’ll use the sharp wire fasteners to attach seat covers securely to the frame of the seat. Professional hog-ring pliers are essential for crimping the hog rings correctly.
Hog Rings
Absolutely the one product to keep on hand in the shop is hog rings. Hog rings are C-shaped metal wire with very sharp angle-cut ends that can pierce through materials to securely hold the material in place. Crimping with hog-ring pliers closes them. These metal fasteners are typically purchased by the pound or can be obtained in 25-pound or more containers. Hog rings are the go-to fastener for attaching seat covers to the frame of a seat. Hog rings are also used to connect Marshall springs and attach burlap and foam to the springs of the seat.
Staples
Tacks were the standard upholstery fastener to attach materials to the wooden frame of the car. Postwar cars were built out of metal, and fiber tack strips were installed to allow for the attachment of the upholstery. Staples replaced tacks because they are faster and a more efficient way to attach materials. They also cause less damage to the tacking surface than tacks.
Fastening fabric and vinyl to the car and to interior trim panels used to be done with tacks. Stapling the materials in place has replaced the older method. Staples have proven to hold better and are much faster to use than tacks.
Staples
